Revealing the Innermost Intimacy: An Inward Spiritual Odyssey

The concept of intimacy often conjures thoughts of romantic or physical connection, but true intimacy extends far beyond these notions. Consider the word itself: "into-me-see." Intimacy, in its purest form, invites us to look deep within ourselves and allow others to glimpse our innermost being. In this blog post, we will explore a profound and transformative intimacy, one that begins with the Self and eventually extends to our humanness and our connections with others. Join us on a journey to discover the highest form of intimacy, a sacred connection that transcends our physical world.

Intimacy with the Self:

To embark on this journey of deep intimacy, we must first turn our gaze inward. Jesuit priest and paleontologist Theilhard de Chardin reminds us of our true nature: "You are not a human being having a spiritual experience. You are a spiritual being having a human experience." This profound insight urges us to explore the depths of our being to discover our Spiritual Self.

Moses' Intimate Encounter:

Throughout history, humanity's perception of the divine has evolved. In ancient times, multiple gods were believed to both bless and curse humanity. Then came the Hebrew people, introducing the concept of one God. However, this God remained distant and fearsome. The turning point occurred when Moses, while shepherding his flock, encountered the "burning bush." Whether it was a literal burning bush or a symbol of divine presence, the essence remains: Moses experienced an intimate connection with the Creator. For the first time, he realized that God was ever-present within him, and every step he took was on sacred ground. This newfound awareness empowered him to lead the Hebrew people out of centuries of slavery.

Jesus' Profound Intimacy:

Jesus, a revolutionary teacher, brought forth an even deeper level of intimacy with the Creator. He addressed God as "Abba," the Hebrew word for "daddy." He took it a step further, declaring, "I and the Father are one." Although many may not fully grasp the depth of his words, Jesus aimed to convey not only his oneness with Spirit but also the potential for oneness within us all. He affirmed, "...ye are gods" and encouraged us with the belief that we can perform "the works that I do and even greater."

Realizing Our Spiritual Essence:

Both Moses and Jesus exemplified the highest form of intimacy—intimacy with the divine. When we turn our gaze inward, seeking the core of our spiritual essence, we too can begin to develop intimacy with our own Spiritual Self. This profound connection serves as the cornerstone of our spiritual journey. It grants us the courage to take the next steps in nurturing intimacy with our humanness and forging deep connections with others.

As we conclude this exploration of the highest form of intimacy, let us remember that it begins within ourselves. By delving into our spiritual essence, as Moses and Jesus did, we unlock the door to a sacred connection that transcends the physical world. This inner intimacy not only empowers us but also paves the way for developing profound connections with our own humanity and with others, a journey we will delve into further in the coming weeks.